Day of Turkish Republic solemnly celebrated in Kyiv

More than 500 people came to congratulate the representatives of the Turkish embassy in the capital of Ukraine

KYIV (QHA) -

October 28, the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Kyiv organized a reception on the occasion of the national holiday of Turkey - the 94th anniversary of the declaration of the independence of Turkey.

The event attracted more than 500 guests. Among them were ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to Ukraine, Ukrainian deputies and high-ranking officials, clergy, as well as businessmen.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Ukraine Yönet Can Tezel along with his wife Ave Brigader Tezel personally met every guest.

The event began with the hymns of the Republic of Turkey and Ukraine performed by the violinists' orchestra.

In his opening remarks, the Ambassador thanked those present and congratulated everyone on the Republic Day. He also expressed particular delight that the Deputy Chairmen of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Akhtem Chiygoz and Ilmi Umerov, previously released from the Russian captivity, were able to join the celebration on that day.

Leader of the Crimean Tatar people Mustafa Dzhemilev and the Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Refat Chubarov joined the festive events, as well as members of the Mejlis Riza Shevkiev, Gayana Yuksel, the Head of the Audit Commission of Kurultay Ali Ozenbash and others.

“My colleagues and I are very pleased to contribute to the development of very positive relations between Turkey and Ukraine. These strategic relations were recently demonstrated once again during the visit of our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Kyiv. We continue to strengthen our bilateral relations and will continue to support Ukraine along with our allies and partners," the Ambassador said.

The diplomat also read a welcoming message from the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which noted that Turkey had become one of the most influential players in the Middle East over 94 years. In his message, the Head of state also thanked the allied countries for the support of Turkey.

The Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Gennady Zubko spoke about the important role of Turkey in the process of releasing prisoners of conscience Akhtem Chiygoz and Ilmi Umerov, as well as its steady support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

"We can speak a lot about friendly relations and economic partnership, but speaking about particular actions it more important. I am grateful to the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Republic of Turkey for the assistance rendered in support of Ukraine. After just six meetings of the Strategic Council in Kyiv, Ukrainians Akhtem Chiygoz and Ilmi Umerov were released due to President Erdogan," he said.

A friendly and festive atmosphere prevailed throughout the evening. Guests enjoyed delicious dishes of Turkish cuisine, live musical motifs and a video presentation about the sights and nature of Turkey.

Reference: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk officially and finally declared Turkey a republic on October 29, 1923. After that, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey held a vote, according to which Atatürk was unanimously elected the first President of the Turkish Republic.

First celebrations to the Day of the Republic were held one year after the proclamation of the republic. The holiday gained the status of official in 1925 and since then it has been celebrated annually at the national level.